Lifeline for rescue boat

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The Bluff Coastguard's quest for a bigger, faster and more expensive rescue boat received a welcome funding injection this week.

Bluff Coastguard president Andy Johnson said South Port had approved a donation of $20,000 towards the project. There was also strong support for the boat from the Southland community during the Christmas period. People were digging deep into their pockets at a time when money was needed for other things, Mr Johnson said.

Before the banks closed for Christmas $4550 had been deposited during the second week of The Southland Times Mayday campaign. The coastguard has already raised about $600,000, with large donations from organisations and individuals, including $50,000 from the EP Wilding Estate, but there was still a long way to go, Mr Johnson said.

"It's fantastic we are getting donations of $500 and $1000 from families," he said.

South Port chief executive Mark O'Connor said the organisation was proud to be part of the appeal.